The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested three men in early November in what officials describe as an alleged ricin-based terror plot. The accused have been identified as Dr. Ahmed Mohiyuddin Syed (35), Azad Suleman Sheikh (20) and Mohammad Suhail Mohammad Saleem Khan (23). According to the ATS, Syed who holds a medical degree from China, told investigators he had been preparing ricin and had sourced research materials, chemical equipment and raw ingredients.
ATS officials say Syed was allegedly working under the direction of an Afghanistan-based operative named Abu Khadija, linked to Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISKP), and that he maintained contacts in Pakistan. In a raid near Adalaj Toll Plaza, police recovered two Glock pistols, one Beretta, 30 live cartridges and about four litres of castor oil from a vehicle Syed was driving – materials that authorities allege could be used in ricin preparation.
Forensic examination of devices seized from Syed reportedly helped trace the two other suspects, from Uttar Pradesh, who are accused of supplying weapons and carrying out reconnaissance at crowded locations in Lucknow, Delhi and Ahmedabad. The ATS says the arms consignments were allegedly routed via Hanumangarh and dropped by drones across the Pakistan border.
What remains unproven, investigators stress, is the precise plot — including whether ricin was intended to be used in food or temple prasad, or how far the plan had progressed. Officials have told media the trio had assembled ricin-related materials and that the doctor had been researching extraction techniques from castor beans, but independent forensic confirmation of a completed toxin or any successful contamination has not been publicly disclosed.
“All three accused, along with the wanted Abu Khadija, have been booked under UAPA, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act,” the ATS said. Syed was remanded to police custody until 17 November while investigations continue. Investigators say they are tracing communication records and handlers to determine motive, targets and whether others were involved.
Ricin is a potent toxin derived from castor beans; small quantities can be lethal if ingested, injected or inhaled. Security agencies worldwide treat any allegation of ricin-use with extreme seriousness because of its lethality and historical use in assassination attempts. The ATS has described the case as a worrying example of alleged interest among extremists in chemical agents.
(Source: OpIndia)
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